Al Hilal warmed up for this week’s Asian Champions League final by securing their place in the King’s Cup showpiece with an extra-time victory against Al Ittihad on Sunday night.
The current continental champions, beaten finalists in the cup last year, came through a tense semi-final encounter at King Abdullah Sports City to defeat the Saudi Pro League leaders 1-0. Ahmed Hegazi's 106th-minute own goal sealed the tie.
Hilal, currently fourth in the domestic league table, will now meet in next month's final the winner of Monday’s semi-final between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Al Wehda.
Before that, though, Ramon Diaz's side contest the first leg of the Champions League final, against Japan’s Urawa Reds in Riyadh on Saturday. Hilal are the reigning champions having defeated South Korea's Pohang Steelers in the 2021 tournament.
On Sunday, Ittihad deserved more from the match as the home side created the better chances. Striker Romarinho wasted a golden opportunity right on half-time when set up by Helder Costa, while top-scorer Abderrazak Hamdallah struck the Hilal crossbar in the second half with a fine volley.
Romarinho later volleyed straight at Abdullah Al Mayouf in the visitors’ goal when set up by former Sharjah playmaker Igor Coronado.
For Hilal, Odion Ighalo almost continued his impressive form, but his shot from the edge of the Ittihad penalty area was saved well by goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe.
Then, with the game heading towards a penalty shootout, Hilal got their winner. Malian winger Moussa Marega’s low cross from the right was met by a sliding Hegazi, who inadvertently placed the ball past Grohe.
Ittihad will now shift focus to securing a first league title since 2009. The Jeddah club lead the table by three points with seven matches remaining – they boast one game in hand over second-placed Nassr.
Meanwhile, Hilal host Urawa next weekend as they seek to land a record-extending fifth Champions League crown.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
BELGIUM%20SQUAD
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Secret Nation: The Hidden Armenians of Turkey
Avedis Hadjian, (IB Tauris)
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20TV%204K%20(THIRD%20GENERATION)
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UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST
Premier League
Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm
Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm
Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm
Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm
Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)
Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm
Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm
Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm
Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm
Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm
Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm
Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm
Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm
